Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Obama's "Real" Birth Certificate on Ebay?
Bids are up to over 2/3rds of a million dollars, weird.
Well, the bidding went over a million dollars and then Ebay yanked it. Love to know the story behind this one.
Well, the bidding went over a million dollars and then Ebay yanked it. Love to know the story behind this one.
Monday, June 29, 2009
Sotomayer Overturned
Good and obvious decision, the fact that it was a 5-4 is what's scary.
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court ruled Monday that white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., were unfairly denied promotions because of their race, reversing a decision that high court nominee Sonia Sotomayor endorsed as an appeals court judge.
New Haven was wrong to scrap a promotion exam because no African-Americans and only two Hispanic firefighters were likely to be made lieutenants or captains based on the results, the court said Monday in a 5-4 decision. The city said that it had acted to avoid a lawsuit from minorities.
The ruling could alter employment practices nationwide and make it harder to prove discrimination when there is no evidence it was intentional.
"Fear of litigation alone cannot justify an employer's reliance on race to the detriment of individuals who passed the examinations and qualified for promotions," Justice Anthony Kennedy said in his opinion for the court. He was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas.
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court ruled Monday that white firefighters in New Haven, Conn., were unfairly denied promotions because of their race, reversing a decision that high court nominee Sonia Sotomayor endorsed as an appeals court judge.
New Haven was wrong to scrap a promotion exam because no African-Americans and only two Hispanic firefighters were likely to be made lieutenants or captains based on the results, the court said Monday in a 5-4 decision. The city said that it had acted to avoid a lawsuit from minorities.
The ruling could alter employment practices nationwide and make it harder to prove discrimination when there is no evidence it was intentional.
"Fear of litigation alone cannot justify an employer's reliance on race to the detriment of individuals who passed the examinations and qualified for promotions," Justice Anthony Kennedy said in his opinion for the court. He was joined by Chief Justice John Roberts and Justices Samuel Alito, Antonin Scalia and Clarence Thomas.
Sunday, June 28, 2009
NASA FINDS MISSING MOON LANDING TAPES
ECSTATIC space officials at Nasa could be about to unveil one of their most stunning discoveries for 40 years — new and amazingly clear footage of the first moon landing.The release of the new images next month could be one of the most talked about events of the summer.
The television images the world has been used to seeing of the historic moment when Neil Armstrong descended down a ladder onto the moon’s surface in 1969 is grainy, blurry and dark.
The following scenes, in which the astronauts move around the lunar lander, are so murky it is difficult to make out exactly what is going on, causing conspiracy theorists to claim the entire Apollo 11 mission was an elaborate fraud.
However, viewers have only ever seen such poor quality footage because the original analogue tapes containing the pictures beamed direct from the lunar surface were lost almost as soon as they were recorded.
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
CEI Releases Global Warming Study Censored by EPA
Don't let the facts get in the way of the largest tax increase in this Nations history.
Washington, D.C., June 26, 2009—The Competitive Enterprise Institute is today making public an internal study on climate science which was suppressed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Internal EPA email messages, released by CEI earlier in the week, indicate that the report was kept under wraps and its author silenced because of pressure to support the Administration’s agenda of regulating carbon dioxide. The report finds that EPA, by adopting the United Nations’ 2007 “Fourth Assessment” report, is relying on outdated research and is ignoring major new developments. Those developments include a continued decline in global temperatures, a new consensus that future hurricanes will not be more frequent or intense, and new findings that water vapor will moderate, rather than exacerbate, temperature.
New data also indicate that ocean cycles are probably the most important single factor in explaining temperature fluctuations, though solar cycles may play a role as well, and that reliable satellite data undercut the likelihood of endangerment from greenhouse gases. All of this demonstrates EPA should independently analyze the science, rather than just adopt the conclusions of outside organizations.
The New York Post has picked it up.
Washington, D.C., June 26, 2009—The Competitive Enterprise Institute is today making public an internal study on climate science which was suppressed by the Environmental Protection Agency. Internal EPA email messages, released by CEI earlier in the week, indicate that the report was kept under wraps and its author silenced because of pressure to support the Administration’s agenda of regulating carbon dioxide. The report finds that EPA, by adopting the United Nations’ 2007 “Fourth Assessment” report, is relying on outdated research and is ignoring major new developments. Those developments include a continued decline in global temperatures, a new consensus that future hurricanes will not be more frequent or intense, and new findings that water vapor will moderate, rather than exacerbate, temperature.
New data also indicate that ocean cycles are probably the most important single factor in explaining temperature fluctuations, though solar cycles may play a role as well, and that reliable satellite data undercut the likelihood of endangerment from greenhouse gases. All of this demonstrates EPA should independently analyze the science, rather than just adopt the conclusions of outside organizations.
The New York Post has picked it up.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Michael Jackson Dead at 50
A flaky guy for sure but I personally enjoyed much of his music. The very first record I ever bought as a kid (with my own money) was "ABC" as a 45 of course.
One screwed up dude whether it be due to his childhood or his overwhelming success.; I pray the lord has mercy on his soul.
One screwed up dude whether it be due to his childhood or his overwhelming success.; I pray the lord has mercy on his soul.
Crap Care For Thee But Not For Me
Obama a bit more candid than he he intended.
Elites often propose health care solutions that limit options for the general public, secure in the knowledge that if they or their loves ones get sick, they will be able to afford the best care available, even if it's not provided by insurance.
Devinsky asked the president pointedly if he would be willing to promise that he wouldn't seek such extraordinary help for his wife or daughters if they became sick and the public plan he's proposing limited the tests or treatment they can get.
The president refused to make such a pledge, though he allowed that if "it's my family member, if it's my wife, if it's my children, if it's my grandmother, I always want them to get the very best care.
Elites often propose health care solutions that limit options for the general public, secure in the knowledge that if they or their loves ones get sick, they will be able to afford the best care available, even if it's not provided by insurance.
Devinsky asked the president pointedly if he would be willing to promise that he wouldn't seek such extraordinary help for his wife or daughters if they became sick and the public plan he's proposing limited the tests or treatment they can get.
The president refused to make such a pledge, though he allowed that if "it's my family member, if it's my wife, if it's my children, if it's my grandmother, I always want them to get the very best care.
'Ark of the Covenant' about to be unveiled?
Going to have to coin this "Ark Week"
The patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia says he will announce to the world Friday the unveiling of the Ark of the Covenant, perhaps the world's most prized archaeological and spiritual artifact, which he says has been hidden away in a church in his country for millennia, according to the Italian news agency Adnkronos.
Abuna Pauolos, in Italy for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI this week, told the news agency, "Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries."
The announcement is expected to be made at 2 p.m. Italian time from Hotel Aldrovandi in Rome. Pauolos will reportedly be accompanied by Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Sellassie and Duke Amedeo D'Acosta.
"The Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia for many centuries," said Pauolos. "As a patriarch I have seen it with my own eyes and only few highly qualified persons could do the same, until now."
The patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Ethiopia says he will announce to the world Friday the unveiling of the Ark of the Covenant, perhaps the world's most prized archaeological and spiritual artifact, which he says has been hidden away in a church in his country for millennia, according to the Italian news agency Adnkronos.
Abuna Pauolos, in Italy for a meeting with Pope Benedict XVI this week, told the news agency, "Soon the world will be able to admire the Ark of the Covenant described in the Bible as the container of the tablets of the law that God delivered to Moses and the center of searches and studies for centuries."
The announcement is expected to be made at 2 p.m. Italian time from Hotel Aldrovandi in Rome. Pauolos will reportedly be accompanied by Prince Aklile Berhan Makonnen Haile Sellassie and Duke Amedeo D'Acosta.
"The Ark of the Covenant is in Ethiopia for many centuries," said Pauolos. "As a patriarch I have seen it with my own eyes and only few highly qualified persons could do the same, until now."
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Sanford Screws Up Big Time
Way to hurt your party, estrange your family and pi$$ away one helluva promising career.
Gov. Mark Sanford just admitted to jetting over to Argentina to hook up with a woman who was not his wife -- and said the affair started about a year ago.
He asked for forgiveness from pretty much everyone, including his wife and 4 kids. He's resigned as chairman of the Republican Governors Association but did not resign as Governor of South Carolina.
Gov. Mark Sanford just admitted to jetting over to Argentina to hook up with a woman who was not his wife -- and said the affair started about a year ago.
He asked for forgiveness from pretty much everyone, including his wife and 4 kids. He's resigned as chairman of the Republican Governors Association but did not resign as Governor of South Carolina.
Quote of the Day
I pick doctors over lawyers any day. Not that I don’t value the law, or its role in our lives. And not that I’m prejudiced against its practitioners. But in a pinch it’s far more important to have a doctor than a lawyer. So I’m on the doctors’ side. In this whole “tort reform” thing, the doctors are right and the lawyers are wrong. Basically, you’ve got life-saving angels on one side and blood-sucking leeches on the other.
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Kansas Teacher With Conservative Views Gets Job Back
A rare example of justice in the Federal school system.
A high school teacher in Kansas who claimed his contract was not renewed due to his conservative political views has been reinstated.
Tim Latham, 44, who was told that his school-affiliated Web site was "too patriotic," will return this fall to the 2,000-student Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Kan., where he'll continue teaching American history and government for a second consecutive year. Since the contract renewal became official late last week, Latham, a teaching veteran of 20 years, said he's received countless well-wishes from students and teachers alike.
A high school teacher in Kansas who claimed his contract was not renewed due to his conservative political views has been reinstated.
Tim Latham, 44, who was told that his school-affiliated Web site was "too patriotic," will return this fall to the 2,000-student Lawrence High School in Lawrence, Kan., where he'll continue teaching American history and government for a second consecutive year. Since the contract renewal became official late last week, Latham, a teaching veteran of 20 years, said he's received countless well-wishes from students and teachers alike.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Inspector General Fired by Obama Wants Congressional Hearing on His Case
This is one guy that ain't going quietly into the night.
CNSNews.com) – The ousted inspector general who reported that his office found misuse of AmeriCorps funds granted to a charity run by a political ally of President Barack Obama sees an assault on the institution of government watchdogs, noting that besides himself, the inspectors general in both the Treasury Department and the International Trade Commission (ITC) have faced reported hurdles in doing their jobs.
He says he wants Congress to hold a hearing on his firing.
“I certainly don’t know the facts about any of the other IGs. But I don’t think you can find in the history of IGs such an administration attack on and terminating IGs before the last few weeks,” Gerald Walpin, the recently fired inspector general of the Corporation of National and Community Service, told CNSNews.com on Friday. The agency runs the youth volunteer program AmeriCorps.
CNSNews.com) – The ousted inspector general who reported that his office found misuse of AmeriCorps funds granted to a charity run by a political ally of President Barack Obama sees an assault on the institution of government watchdogs, noting that besides himself, the inspectors general in both the Treasury Department and the International Trade Commission (ITC) have faced reported hurdles in doing their jobs.
He says he wants Congress to hold a hearing on his firing.
“I certainly don’t know the facts about any of the other IGs. But I don’t think you can find in the history of IGs such an administration attack on and terminating IGs before the last few weeks,” Gerald Walpin, the recently fired inspector general of the Corporation of National and Community Service, told CNSNews.com on Friday. The agency runs the youth volunteer program AmeriCorps.
Walpin-gate opens wider
Thanks goodness for the arrogance of the Obama administration, it will prove to be their undoing...
President Obama's excuses for firing AmeriCorps Inspector General Gerald Walpin look weaker every day. The FBI has opened an investigation into a Sacramento program formerly run by a close ally of President Obama's, giving credence to the IG's work.
The president fired Mr. Walpin June 11 after Mr. Walpin filed two reports critical of Obama friends. The highest-profile of the two reports focused on misuse of funds at Sacramento's St. Hope Academy, then run by former NBA star Kevin Johnson before Mr. Johnson was elected Sacramento's mayor in November. Mr. Johnson was a frequent stump speaker for Mr. Obama during last year's campaign and has claimed in TV interviews to be particularly good friends with first lady Michelle Obama.
The inspector general detailed numerous irregularities in St. Hope's use of AmeriCorps funds, including AmeriCorps grantees being used to wash Mr. Johnson's car. Mr. Walpin complained vociferously, though, that acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence G. Brown had negotiated far too lenient a settlement of the charges against Mayor Johnson and St. Hope.
President Obama's excuses for firing AmeriCorps Inspector General Gerald Walpin look weaker every day. The FBI has opened an investigation into a Sacramento program formerly run by a close ally of President Obama's, giving credence to the IG's work.
The president fired Mr. Walpin June 11 after Mr. Walpin filed two reports critical of Obama friends. The highest-profile of the two reports focused on misuse of funds at Sacramento's St. Hope Academy, then run by former NBA star Kevin Johnson before Mr. Johnson was elected Sacramento's mayor in November. Mr. Johnson was a frequent stump speaker for Mr. Obama during last year's campaign and has claimed in TV interviews to be particularly good friends with first lady Michelle Obama.
The inspector general detailed numerous irregularities in St. Hope's use of AmeriCorps funds, including AmeriCorps grantees being used to wash Mr. Johnson's car. Mr. Walpin complained vociferously, though, that acting U.S. Attorney Lawrence G. Brown had negotiated far too lenient a settlement of the charges against Mayor Johnson and St. Hope.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Obama Now in Negative Territory
Bottom line, Americans hate a coward.
The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for Sunday shows that 32% of the nation's voters now Strongly Approve of the way that Barack Obama is performing his role as President. Thirty-four percent (34%) Strongly Disapprove giving Obama a Presidential Approval Index rating of -2. That’s the President’s lowest rating to date and the first time the Presidential Approval Index has fallen below zero for Obama
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Reports of a blast near Khomeini's shrine
Shades of the “Reichstag Fire”, Berlin ca 1933.
According to the AP, "witnesses say police are using tear and water cannons to disperse thousands of protesters rallying in Tehran to demand a new presidential election."
It's correspondent is raising the possibility that the bombing reported to have happened near the shrine of Ayatollah Khomeini was the work of the government, which might be trying to pin blame on the protesters.
According to the AP, "witnesses say police are using tear and water cannons to disperse thousands of protesters rallying in Tehran to demand a new presidential election."
It's correspondent is raising the possibility that the bombing reported to have happened near the shrine of Ayatollah Khomeini was the work of the government, which might be trying to pin blame on the protesters.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Senator Menendez Gives a Much Needed History Lesson:
Proof that not all Democrats are imbeciles: VID HERE
Thursday, June 18, 2009
The Party's Over
New polls show the public increasingly concerned about the budget deficit, amid signs that the support for White House's economic policies may be slipping. During NBC Nightly News' lead story, Chuck Todd said an NBC/Walls Street Journal poll suggests "the honeymoon is coming to an end for President Obama, but it's not personal, it's professional, as now the public appears to be judging the President on some of his actions. And right now, there's a growing concern about the budget deficit, and some of this government interaction into the economy on things like GM."
The Wall Street Journal says that the public's "rising doubts threaten to overshadow the president's personal popularity and his agenda, in what may be a new phase of the Obama presidency." While "there's good news for the administration, too, including tentative support for Mr. Obama's health-care plan and approval of his nominee for the Supreme Court," the poll "suggests Mr. Obama faces challenges on multiple fronts, including growing concerns about government spending and the bailout of auto companies." Nearly seven in 10 "respondents said they had concerns about federal interventions into the economy." However, The Politico reports, "46 percent think the economy will get better in the next year the highest level of optimism in four years."
AFP reports the President's 56% overall approval rating in the NBC poll, but reports that "among independent voters, Obama fell from 60 percent approval versus 31 percent to 46 approving against 44 disapproving."
The Wall Street Journal says that the public's "rising doubts threaten to overshadow the president's personal popularity and his agenda, in what may be a new phase of the Obama presidency." While "there's good news for the administration, too, including tentative support for Mr. Obama's health-care plan and approval of his nominee for the Supreme Court," the poll "suggests Mr. Obama faces challenges on multiple fronts, including growing concerns about government spending and the bailout of auto companies." Nearly seven in 10 "respondents said they had concerns about federal interventions into the economy." However, The Politico reports, "46 percent think the economy will get better in the next year the highest level of optimism in four years."
AFP reports the President's 56% overall approval rating in the NBC poll, but reports that "among independent voters, Obama fell from 60 percent approval versus 31 percent to 46 approving against 44 disapproving."
White House refuses to answer Senate questions on AmeriCorps IG firing
Legs?
Norman Eisen, the White House Special Counsel to the President for Ethics and Government Reform, met with investigators on the staff of Republican Sen. Charles Grassley at Grassley's offices this morning. The investigators wanted to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the abrupt firing of AmeriCorps inspector general Gerald Walpin. According to Grassley, Eisen revealed very, very little, refusing to answer many questions of fact put to him. And now Grassley has written a letter to the White House counsel asking for answers.
The questions relate to a letter Eisen sent to some senators Tuesday night attributing Walpin's dismissal, in significant part, to Walpin's behavior at a May 20, 2009 board meeting of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the organization that oversees AmeriCorps. Eisen wrote that at the meeting, "Mr. Walpin was confused, disoriented, unable to answer questions and exhibited other behavior that led the board to question his capacity to serve." After the meeting, Eisen wrote, Walpin lost the confidence of the Corporation Board. The White House conducted a review of the matter, and Walpin was fired. (For a detailed account of Walpin's reaction to the White House charges...
Could be.
Norman Eisen, the White House Special Counsel to the President for Ethics and Government Reform, met with investigators on the staff of Republican Sen. Charles Grassley at Grassley's offices this morning. The investigators wanted to learn more about the circumstances surrounding the abrupt firing of AmeriCorps inspector general Gerald Walpin. According to Grassley, Eisen revealed very, very little, refusing to answer many questions of fact put to him. And now Grassley has written a letter to the White House counsel asking for answers.
The questions relate to a letter Eisen sent to some senators Tuesday night attributing Walpin's dismissal, in significant part, to Walpin's behavior at a May 20, 2009 board meeting of the Corporation for National and Community Service, the organization that oversees AmeriCorps. Eisen wrote that at the meeting, "Mr. Walpin was confused, disoriented, unable to answer questions and exhibited other behavior that led the board to question his capacity to serve." After the meeting, Eisen wrote, Walpin lost the confidence of the Corporation Board. The White House conducted a review of the matter, and Walpin was fired. (For a detailed account of Walpin's reaction to the White House charges...
Could be.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Laugher of the Week
ElBaradei Believes Iran Wants Nuclear Weapons Capability
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei yesterday said it was his "gut feeling" that Iran was pursuing the capability to build nuclear weapons if it chose to do so, the New York Times reported (see GSN, June 16).
The United States and its allies have expressed concern that Iran's uranium enrichment program could support nuclear-weapon development, but the Middle Eastern state has described its nuclear intentions as strictly peaceful.
“It is my gut feeling that Iran would like to have the technology to enable it to have nuclear weapons,” ElBaradei told the BBC. “They want to send a message to their neighbors, to the rest of the world, ‘don’t mess with us.’”You monumental twit!
International Atomic Energy Agency chief Mohamed ElBaradei yesterday said it was his "gut feeling" that Iran was pursuing the capability to build nuclear weapons if it chose to do so, the New York Times reported (see GSN, June 16).
The United States and its allies have expressed concern that Iran's uranium enrichment program could support nuclear-weapon development, but the Middle Eastern state has described its nuclear intentions as strictly peaceful.
“It is my gut feeling that Iran would like to have the technology to enable it to have nuclear weapons,” ElBaradei told the BBC. “They want to send a message to their neighbors, to the rest of the world, ‘don’t mess with us.’”You monumental twit!
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Obama Doesn't Want To Be Seen "Meddling" In Iranian Elections
It's called leadership Mr President and it's something this country has been sorely lacking for the past 6 months.
Video HERE.
Video HERE.
Obama Administration Refuse to Condemn Iran Violence
State Department spokesman Ian Kelly told reporters Monday that the United States is concerned about allegations of ballot fraud.
Kelly described the U.S. government as "deeply troubled" by the events in Iran, taking a stronger stance than Vice President Biden did Sunday, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the election.
When pressed by a reporter, Kelly declined to condemn Iranian security forces for their crackdown on street protesters. He said the U.S. knows too little about the conduct of the election to say for sure whether there was fraud.
Bowing down again to yet another despot.
Kelly described the U.S. government as "deeply troubled" by the events in Iran, taking a stronger stance than Vice President Biden did Sunday, casting doubt on the legitimacy of the election.
When pressed by a reporter, Kelly declined to condemn Iranian security forces for their crackdown on street protesters. He said the U.S. knows too little about the conduct of the election to say for sure whether there was fraud.
Bowing down again to yet another despot.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Iranian Pro-Reform Marchers Flood Tehran Streets
And from the White House....the silence is deafening.Tens of thousands of Iranians took to the streets of Tehran Monday, defying a country-wide crackdown with protests against the hotly-disputed results of last week's presidential election.
Chanting crowds, some wearing green campaign colors, greeted Mir Hossein Mousavi, the defeated candidate in Friday's election, as he slowly moved through the streets on the back of a car.
Scuffles broke out as Ahmadinejad supporters, riding motorbikes and armed with sticks, attacked the demonstrators along the route.
But Iranian television painted a more violent picture, saying that pro-government militia opened fire on the crowd of Mousavi supporters, killing at least one, Reuters reported.
Votes seen lacking for Obama healthcare program
Hopefully this can be compromised into total impotence.
WASHINGTON, June 14 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's health secretary on Sunday pushed for a new government-run healthcare program, an idea facing skepticism even in his own party, and a senior Senate Democrat flatly said votes are lacking in Congress for the proposal.
In addition, Vice President Joe Biden opposed proposals being discussed by some lawmakers to tax health insurance benefits provided to people by employers as a way to pay for an overhaul of the $2.5 trillion U.S. healthcare industry.
Obama, aiming to get healthcare costs under control and ensure that the 46 million Americans who are uninsured can get health coverage, wants a new public program to compete with private insurers.
WASHINGTON, June 14 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama's health secretary on Sunday pushed for a new government-run healthcare program, an idea facing skepticism even in his own party, and a senior Senate Democrat flatly said votes are lacking in Congress for the proposal.
In addition, Vice President Joe Biden opposed proposals being discussed by some lawmakers to tax health insurance benefits provided to people by employers as a way to pay for an overhaul of the $2.5 trillion U.S. healthcare industry.
Obama, aiming to get healthcare costs under control and ensure that the 46 million Americans who are uninsured can get health coverage, wants a new public program to compete with private insurers.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Quote of the Week
Biden on "Meet the Press" commenting on the impact of the stimulus on creating jobs:
"Everyone guessed wrong"
No Joe everyone didn't. Your administration and most of the Democrat party did though.
"Everyone guessed wrong"
No Joe everyone didn't. Your administration and most of the Democrat party did though.
Iran elections: revolt as crowds protest at Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's 'rigged' victory
CNN has been MIA again. Perhaps they're worried about getting kicked out of Iran like they were in Iraq.
The capital, Tehran, has seen its most violent street disturbances for a decade as demonstrators protested over Mr Ahmadinejad's surprise defeat of Mir-Hossein Mousavi, the reformist challenger.
Mr Mousavi claimed he had been the victim of "fraud" and "manipulation" after he gained just 33.7 per cent of the vote, compared to Mr Ahmadinejad's 62.6 per cent.
In the run-up to the campaign, polls had put both men neck-and-neck, with some suggesting that Mr Ahmadinejad was in for a shock defeat because of his poor economic performance and aggression to the West.
The capital, Tehran, has seen its most violent street disturbances for a decade as demonstrators protested over Mr Ahmadinejad's surprise defeat of Mir-Hossein Mousavi, the reformist challenger.
Mr Mousavi claimed he had been the victim of "fraud" and "manipulation" after he gained just 33.7 per cent of the vote, compared to Mr Ahmadinejad's 62.6 per cent.
In the run-up to the campaign, polls had put both men neck-and-neck, with some suggesting that Mr Ahmadinejad was in for a shock defeat because of his poor economic performance and aggression to the West.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Reporter initially defended Chelsea comment was suspended
Doncha know that Letterman can say ANYTHInG with impunity because he's a "comedian".
Before MSNBC's David Shuster was suspended by the network Friday for on-air comments he made about Chelsea Clinton, the television reporter engaged in a heated correspondence with a spokesman for Hillary Rodham Clinton in which he defended his appearance and refused demands to apologize.
A copy of the e-mail exchange between Shuster and Philippe Reines, a longtime Clinton aide, was obtained by Politico and is reprinted here.
On Thursday, Shuster guest-hosted Tucker Carlson's MSNBC show, "Tucker," and in referring to Chelsea Clinton's role in calling superdelegates on behalf of the Clinton presidential campaign, he asked whether she was "sort of being pimped out in some weird sort of way?"
Later that night, he heard from an outraged Reines, who called the remarks "absurdly offensive."
Before MSNBC's David Shuster was suspended by the network Friday for on-air comments he made about Chelsea Clinton, the television reporter engaged in a heated correspondence with a spokesman for Hillary Rodham Clinton in which he defended his appearance and refused demands to apologize.
A copy of the e-mail exchange between Shuster and Philippe Reines, a longtime Clinton aide, was obtained by Politico and is reprinted here.
On Thursday, Shuster guest-hosted Tucker Carlson's MSNBC show, "Tucker," and in referring to Chelsea Clinton's role in calling superdelegates on behalf of the Clinton presidential campaign, he asked whether she was "sort of being pimped out in some weird sort of way?"
Later that night, he heard from an outraged Reines, who called the remarks "absurdly offensive."
Friday, June 12, 2009
'Iranian attack on Israel will NOT be seen as attack on US'
More weakness and equivocation from the administration who has raised the practice to an art form.
One year after declaring - as a presidential candidate - that an Iranian attack on Israel would be regarded as an attack on the US, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earlier this week revealed that this was certainly not the policy of the Obama administration.
While the Iranians could expect 'retaliation,' America was not committing itself to come to Israel's defense.
....Before playing a video recording in which Clinton emphatically states: "I would make it clear to the Iranians that an attack on Israel would incur massive retaliation from the United States," Stephanopoulos told her that this "was your position during the campaign."
"Is it US policy now," he asked.... Clinton, um'd and ah'd.
One year after declaring - as a presidential candidate - that an Iranian attack on Israel would be regarded as an attack on the US, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton earlier this week revealed that this was certainly not the policy of the Obama administration.
While the Iranians could expect 'retaliation,' America was not committing itself to come to Israel's defense.
....Before playing a video recording in which Clinton emphatically states: "I would make it clear to the Iranians that an attack on Israel would incur massive retaliation from the United States," Stephanopoulos told her that this "was your position during the campaign."
"Is it US policy now," he asked.... Clinton, um'd and ah'd.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Non-Surprise of the Week
James Von Brunn like Most Holocaust Deniers are From the Left not the Right
The media is a abuzed about this, and the lefty blogs are acting as though this being some nuance of the right.
Wrong. Let’s not forget that Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Louis Farrakhan, both antisemitic and neither considered spokesmen for the right.
But after some research it appears the shooter, James Von Brunn is in fact - despite the protestations of the Kos Kids - a registered democrat from Maryland.
So much for the “Right Wing Conspiracy”.
So he's a 9/11 Truther who hated “Neo-Cons:”,Jews, Christians, Bush, etc and is a registered Democrat.
Oh well, let's not the facts get in the way of a good narrative.
The media is a abuzed about this, and the lefty blogs are acting as though this being some nuance of the right.
Wrong. Let’s not forget that Rev. Jeremiah Wright, Louis Farrakhan, both antisemitic and neither considered spokesmen for the right.
But after some research it appears the shooter, James Von Brunn is in fact - despite the protestations of the Kos Kids - a registered democrat from Maryland.
So much for the “Right Wing Conspiracy”.
So he's a 9/11 Truther who hated “Neo-Cons:”,Jews, Christians, Bush, etc and is a registered Democrat.
Oh well, let's not the facts get in the way of a good narrative.
Leader warns al-Qaeda 'are short of funds'
Still lots of bailout funds available.The leader of al-Qaeda in Afghanistan has complained that his group are short of money.
The terrorist group needs the cash to buy food, weapons and other supplies required in the fight against foreign forces, Mustafa Abu al-Yazid said on an al-Qaeda website.
"In Afghanistan we have a severe supply deficit. The main reason for the weakness in operations is insufficient supplies. Many mujahideen sit and wait and cannot fight for lack of supplies," he said.
"If a mujahid (holy fighter) does not have the money to get weapons, food, drink and the materials for jihad, he cannot fight jihad. Fear Allah and be ambitious in waging jihad through (donating) goods."
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Quote of the Week
James Whitacre commenting on his appoinment as GM Chair: "I don’t know anything about cars"
Crash Probe: Passengers on Air France Jet Had Terror Links
Interesting...
Two passengers with names linked to Islamic terrorism were on board the Air France flight that crashed in the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 228 on board, it has emerged.
French secret servicemen established the connection while working through the list of those who boarded the doomed Airbus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 31.
Agents are now trying to establish dates of birth for the two dead passengers, and family connections.
There is a possibility that the name similarities are simply a "macabre coincidence," the source added, but the revelation is still being "taken very seriously."
A source working for the French security services told Paris weekly L’Express that the link was "highly significant."
Two passengers with names linked to Islamic terrorism were on board the Air France flight that crashed in the Atlantic Ocean, killing all 228 on board, it has emerged.
French secret servicemen established the connection while working through the list of those who boarded the doomed Airbus in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 31.
Agents are now trying to establish dates of birth for the two dead passengers, and family connections.
There is a possibility that the name similarities are simply a "macabre coincidence," the source added, but the revelation is still being "taken very seriously."
A source working for the French security services told Paris weekly L’Express that the link was "highly significant."
Tuesday, June 09, 2009
NY Dems Flummoxed
Or how to lose your power in one easy step...
Yesterday afternoon, the Democrats in the New York State Senate got poleaxed.
For half a moment they stood like deer in the headlights, not quite realizing their fate. By the time they caught on, and literally ran out the door, trying to shut off the lights in the Senate chamber, it was over.
Somebody called a vote, the hands went up and the heads rolled.
The Democrats lost control of the Senate. More correctly, a little knot of Democrat bigwigs lost control of the Senate. Out in the hallway, the Democrat leader Malcolm Smith stood dumbfounded. After just five months on the job, one of the most incompetent leaders in New York history had been relieved of duty.
While the Democratic leadership was putting the final details on a massive annual spending bill that would have raided the treasury for their pet projects, Republican leaders were talking with a couple of wildcard Democrats.
Yesterday afternoon, the Democrats in the New York State Senate got poleaxed.
For half a moment they stood like deer in the headlights, not quite realizing their fate. By the time they caught on, and literally ran out the door, trying to shut off the lights in the Senate chamber, it was over.
Somebody called a vote, the hands went up and the heads rolled.
The Democrats lost control of the Senate. More correctly, a little knot of Democrat bigwigs lost control of the Senate. Out in the hallway, the Democrat leader Malcolm Smith stood dumbfounded. After just five months on the job, one of the most incompetent leaders in New York history had been relieved of duty.
While the Democratic leadership was putting the final details on a massive annual spending bill that would have raided the treasury for their pet projects, Republican leaders were talking with a couple of wildcard Democrats.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Election results cause heartache for the socialists
Obama can expect the same here soon enough...
As the remainder of the European Parliament election results trickled in on Monday, they confirmed the story of Sunday night: grief for the socialists and an unexpectedly robust performance from the centre-right EPP.
The socialists were confirmed as losers in each of the EU's biggest six states: Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain and Poland. Indeed they performed well only in Greece and Malta, where they are in opposition, and in Slovenia and Slovakia, where they are in government.
Aside from the punishment for the centre-left parties, another common feature of the elections was the low turnout: down to a new low of 42.94%, from 45.47% in 2004. Slovakia had the dubious honour for a second time of recording the lowest participation rate at 19.64% compared to 16.97% in 2004.
As the remainder of the European Parliament election results trickled in on Monday, they confirmed the story of Sunday night: grief for the socialists and an unexpectedly robust performance from the centre-right EPP.
The socialists were confirmed as losers in each of the EU's biggest six states: Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain and Poland. Indeed they performed well only in Greece and Malta, where they are in opposition, and in Slovenia and Slovakia, where they are in government.
Aside from the punishment for the centre-left parties, another common feature of the elections was the low turnout: down to a new low of 42.94%, from 45.47% in 2004. Slovakia had the dubious honour for a second time of recording the lowest participation rate at 19.64% compared to 16.97% in 2004.
North Korea sacks 25% of its Cabinet Ministers
Dissention to NK agression go bye-bye?
N.Korea in Sweeping Shakeup at the Top
The North Korean regime has carried out a sweeping Cabinet overhaul, replacing at least nine ministers and making some changes to key positions in the People’s Army and the Workers' Party.
In addition to three appointments reported in the official North Korean media earlier, the Unification Ministry says Chon Kil-su was appointed new railways minister, Kim Kwang-yong forestry minister and Ri Yong-nam trade minister.
"We have learned that the heads of the commerce, finance, and fisheries ministries and the National Economic Cooperation Committee have been dismissed, but we have not yet confirmed the names of the new ministers," a Unification Ministry official said.
N.Korea in Sweeping Shakeup at the Top
The North Korean regime has carried out a sweeping Cabinet overhaul, replacing at least nine ministers and making some changes to key positions in the People’s Army and the Workers' Party.
In addition to three appointments reported in the official North Korean media earlier, the Unification Ministry says Chon Kil-su was appointed new railways minister, Kim Kwang-yong forestry minister and Ri Yong-nam trade minister.
"We have learned that the heads of the commerce, finance, and fisheries ministries and the National Economic Cooperation Committee have been dismissed, but we have not yet confirmed the names of the new ministers," a Unification Ministry official said.
Sunday, June 07, 2009
Lebanon votes in closely-watched election
Definately one to watch.
BEIRUT – Lebanese streamed to their hometowns on the Mediterranean coast and high in the mountains Sunday to vote in a crucial election that could unseat a pro-Western government and install one dominated by the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah.
The race for the 128-member parliament will set Lebanon's political course for the next four years, with repercussions beyond this tiny Arab country's borders. A win for the Shiite militant group, which the United States considers a terrorist organization, and its allies could bring isolation to Lebanon and possibly a new conflict with Israel.
It could also set back U.S. Mideast policy and boost the influence of Hezbollah's backers, Syria and Iran.
BEIRUT – Lebanese streamed to their hometowns on the Mediterranean coast and high in the mountains Sunday to vote in a crucial election that could unseat a pro-Western government and install one dominated by the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah.
The race for the 128-member parliament will set Lebanon's political course for the next four years, with repercussions beyond this tiny Arab country's borders. A win for the Shiite militant group, which the United States considers a terrorist organization, and its allies could bring isolation to Lebanon and possibly a new conflict with Israel.
It could also set back U.S. Mideast policy and boost the influence of Hezbollah's backers, Syria and Iran.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Friday, June 05, 2009
Quote of the Week
Linda Chavez on Judge Sotomayor's nomination:
The next time someone asks me what I think about the Sotomayor pick, I'll say: It's not about a black president picking an Hispanic woman to replace a white man on the court. It's about a liberal president choosing a liberal jurist to replace a retiring liberal justice. It's not diversity; it's more of the same.
The next time someone asks me what I think about the Sotomayor pick, I'll say: It's not about a black president picking an Hispanic woman to replace a white man on the court. It's about a liberal president choosing a liberal jurist to replace a retiring liberal justice. It's not diversity; it's more of the same.
NASA Study Acknowledges Solar Cycle, Not Man, Responsible for Past Warming
Report indicates solar cycle has been impacting Earth since the Industrial Revolution
Some researchers believe that the solar cycle influences global climate changes. They attribute recent warming trends to cyclic variation. Skeptics, though, argue that there's little hard evidence of a solar hand in recent climate changes.
Now, a new research report from a surprising source may help to lay this skepticism to rest. A study from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland looking at climate data over the past century has concluded that solar variation has made a significant impact on the Earth's climate. The report concludes that evidence for climate changes based on solar radiation can be traced back as far as the Industrial Revolution.
Past research has shown that the sun goes through eleven year cycles. At the cycle's peak, solar activity occurring near sunspots is particularly intense, basking the Earth in solar heat. According to Robert Cahalan, a climatologist at the Goddard Space Flight Center, "Right now, we are in between major ice ages, in a period that has been called the Holocene."
Some researchers believe that the solar cycle influences global climate changes. They attribute recent warming trends to cyclic variation. Skeptics, though, argue that there's little hard evidence of a solar hand in recent climate changes.
Now, a new research report from a surprising source may help to lay this skepticism to rest. A study from NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland looking at climate data over the past century has concluded that solar variation has made a significant impact on the Earth's climate. The report concludes that evidence for climate changes based on solar radiation can be traced back as far as the Industrial Revolution.
Past research has shown that the sun goes through eleven year cycles. At the cycle's peak, solar activity occurring near sunspots is particularly intense, basking the Earth in solar heat. According to Robert Cahalan, a climatologist at the Goddard Space Flight Center, "Right now, we are in between major ice ages, in a period that has been called the Holocene."
Thursday, June 04, 2009
Barack Obama should stop apologising for America
Read this whole article, it's dead on.
No leader in American history has gone to greater lengths than Barack Obama to make amends for his own country. From condemnation of American “arrogance” in a speech in Strasbourg to acknowledging U.S. “mistakes” before millions of Muslims on Arab television, Obama has rarely missed an opportunity to apologise for the actions of the American people.
President Obama has elevated the art of national self-loathing to new heights, and seems to delight in prostrating the most powerful nation on the face of the earth before its critics and rivals, especially on foreign soil. The Obama worldview revolves around the central premise that the United States must be humble and “engage” and work with its enemies through the application of “smart power”. There is nothing smart, however, in appeasing rogue states such as North Korea or Iran.
The Obama doctrine is now lying in tatters after North Korean tyrant Kim Jong-Il and Iranian demagogue Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met Obama’s recent overtures with missile tests and even a nuclear blast from Pyongyang. The president’s video message in March offering “a new beginning” to “the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran” was followed by the launch of a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 1,200 miles capable of reaching southern Europe. Incredibly, the U.S. response has been to slash defense spending, with a dramatic scaling down of plans for a global missile defence shield.
The world today is considerably more dangerous than it was in the days of the Bush Administration, and the Obama White House has nothing to show for its weak-kneed efforts. The brutal truth is that the United States is increasingly viewed as a soft touch by its enemies, increasingly jeered rather than feared.
When he travels to the Middle East and Europe this week, the president will have ample opportunity to do what he does best – atone for America’s past. After a brief visit to Saudi Arabia he will deliver a major address to the Muslim world in Cairo, before travelling to Germany to visit the Buchenwald Nazi concentration camp and meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel in Dresden. His world tour ends with his participation in ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.
It will be hugely tempting for the rock star president to play to his Arab and European audiences by scoring points against his hugely unpopular predecessor. He could easily rail against the Bush Administration’s enhanced interrogation techniques, boast of the impending closure of the Guantanamo detention facility, or revive the ghosts of Abu Ghraib. The president’s advisers are no doubt furiously trying to outdo one another with the most original mea culpas.
Obama’s supine approach has become a humiliating spectacle for a country that, together with Great Britain, has done more to advance the cause of liberty and freedom across the world than any nation in the world. Every groveling apology by the president undermines America’s confidence, standing and power, and strengthens the hand of those who seek her destruction.
It is time for President Obama to recognise that his new strategy is weakening his country and making the United States more vulnerable to attack. The dream of America haters who revel in the vision of the humbling of a superpower, is being realised by an administration that has so far fundamentally rejected the idea of American exceptionalism.
The world needs a president who aggressively projects American power on the world stage, rather than seeks the adoration of traditionally hostile foreign audiences. In Egypt, Obama should not be afraid to offend the sensibilities of Muslim leaders, by calling for religious tolerance, freedom of speech, worship and association, and a rejection of Islamist extremism.
No leader in American history has gone to greater lengths than Barack Obama to make amends for his own country. From condemnation of American “arrogance” in a speech in Strasbourg to acknowledging U.S. “mistakes” before millions of Muslims on Arab television, Obama has rarely missed an opportunity to apologise for the actions of the American people.
President Obama has elevated the art of national self-loathing to new heights, and seems to delight in prostrating the most powerful nation on the face of the earth before its critics and rivals, especially on foreign soil. The Obama worldview revolves around the central premise that the United States must be humble and “engage” and work with its enemies through the application of “smart power”. There is nothing smart, however, in appeasing rogue states such as North Korea or Iran.
The Obama doctrine is now lying in tatters after North Korean tyrant Kim Jong-Il and Iranian demagogue Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met Obama’s recent overtures with missile tests and even a nuclear blast from Pyongyang. The president’s video message in March offering “a new beginning” to “the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran” was followed by the launch of a surface-to-surface missile with a range of 1,200 miles capable of reaching southern Europe. Incredibly, the U.S. response has been to slash defense spending, with a dramatic scaling down of plans for a global missile defence shield.
The world today is considerably more dangerous than it was in the days of the Bush Administration, and the Obama White House has nothing to show for its weak-kneed efforts. The brutal truth is that the United States is increasingly viewed as a soft touch by its enemies, increasingly jeered rather than feared.
When he travels to the Middle East and Europe this week, the president will have ample opportunity to do what he does best – atone for America’s past. After a brief visit to Saudi Arabia he will deliver a major address to the Muslim world in Cairo, before travelling to Germany to visit the Buchenwald Nazi concentration camp and meet with Chancellor Angela Merkel in Dresden. His world tour ends with his participation in ceremonies marking the 65th anniversary of the D-Day landings in Normandy.
It will be hugely tempting for the rock star president to play to his Arab and European audiences by scoring points against his hugely unpopular predecessor. He could easily rail against the Bush Administration’s enhanced interrogation techniques, boast of the impending closure of the Guantanamo detention facility, or revive the ghosts of Abu Ghraib. The president’s advisers are no doubt furiously trying to outdo one another with the most original mea culpas.
Obama’s supine approach has become a humiliating spectacle for a country that, together with Great Britain, has done more to advance the cause of liberty and freedom across the world than any nation in the world. Every groveling apology by the president undermines America’s confidence, standing and power, and strengthens the hand of those who seek her destruction.
It is time for President Obama to recognise that his new strategy is weakening his country and making the United States more vulnerable to attack. The dream of America haters who revel in the vision of the humbling of a superpower, is being realised by an administration that has so far fundamentally rejected the idea of American exceptionalism.
The world needs a president who aggressively projects American power on the world stage, rather than seeks the adoration of traditionally hostile foreign audiences. In Egypt, Obama should not be afraid to offend the sensibilities of Muslim leaders, by calling for religious tolerance, freedom of speech, worship and association, and a rejection of Islamist extremism.
Wednesday, June 03, 2009
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Police: Shooter at recruiting center targeted military; slain soldier was just out of training
A man with "political and religious motives" killed a soldier just out of basic training and wounded another Monday in a targeted attack on a military recruiting center, police said. The shootings were not believed to be part of a broader scheme.
A police report based on an interview with the suspect says Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad, 23, told police he observed two soldiers in uniform, drove up to the recruiting center and started shooting.
"He saw them standing there and drove up and shot them," Lt. Terry Hastings told The Associated Press. "That's what he said."
The two soldiers who were shot had completed basic training within the past two weeks and were not regular recruiters, said Lt. Col. Thomas F. Artis of the Oklahoma City Recruiting Battalion, which oversees the Little Rock office.
Wall to wall coverage, candelite vigils and breast beating for martyr Tiller, where's the outrage for these young men? And from "The One", crickets.
A police report based on an interview with the suspect says Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad, 23, told police he observed two soldiers in uniform, drove up to the recruiting center and started shooting.
"He saw them standing there and drove up and shot them," Lt. Terry Hastings told The Associated Press. "That's what he said."
The two soldiers who were shot had completed basic training within the past two weeks and were not regular recruiters, said Lt. Col. Thomas F. Artis of the Oklahoma City Recruiting Battalion, which oversees the Little Rock office.
Wall to wall coverage, candelite vigils and breast beating for martyr Tiller, where's the outrage for these young men? And from "The One", crickets.
Monday, June 01, 2009
Bitter Tea for the Tillerman
Regardless of how evil this man truly was (by his own admission performed over sixty-thousand abortions) murder cannot be justified. Pardon me if I don't grieve for him though as there are 60,000 souls that deserve it far more.
North preparing possible launch of another ICBM
Here we go again.
Defense and intelligence sources in the United States and South Korea said on Saturday North Korea appeared to be preparing to launch a long-range missile.
Two U.S. defense officials told AFP early Saturday, Korean time, that U.S. satellite photos have revealed vehicle activity at two sites in the North. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the movements resembled preparations before the North’s long-range rocket launch on April 5.
One site was in the west and the other was in the east of North Korea, the officials said. They offered no other details, according to AFP, but said there was no obvious sign from the North’s Yongbyon nuclear plant to suggest the country has reactivated its nuclear program.
Defense and intelligence sources in the United States and South Korea said on Saturday North Korea appeared to be preparing to launch a long-range missile.
Two U.S. defense officials told AFP early Saturday, Korean time, that U.S. satellite photos have revealed vehicle activity at two sites in the North. The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the movements resembled preparations before the North’s long-range rocket launch on April 5.
One site was in the west and the other was in the east of North Korea, the officials said. They offered no other details, according to AFP, but said there was no obvious sign from the North’s Yongbyon nuclear plant to suggest the country has reactivated its nuclear program.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
